FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Dec. 5, 2024 — The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is proud to announce the creation of the Organic Stewardship Council, a new advisory group that underscores OFRF’s unwavering commitment to taking its lead from farmers. For 35 years, OFRF has worked to advance organic farming systems by listening to and amplifying the voices of organic and transitioning to organic farmers. The Organic Stewardship Council builds on this legacy, ensuring that farmers remain central to its research, education, and advocacy efforts.

“Farmers have always been at the heart of our work, and this council represents another step forward in keeping their perspectives front and center,” shared Brise Tencer, Executive Director of OFRF. “By formalizing this advisory body, we are creating an enduring structure that empowers farmers to guide and shape our work at every level. We are thrilled to bring together this council of experienced voices who understand the challenges and opportunities in organic farming.”

The Organic Stewardship Council will consist of farmers from different regions, agricultural backgrounds, and diverse farming communities, as well as representatives from farmer associations and certification bodies. A Board-appointed liaison will also serve on the Council to maintain strong ties with OFRF’s governance. Council members will be compensated for their time, either directly or through the organization they represent, in recognition of their critical role in shaping OFRF’s work.

The inaugural members of the Council will be announced in early 2025 following a competitive nomination and review process and approval from OFRF’s Board of Directors. These stewards will bring their diverse voices together to shape OFRF’s work and elevate the priorities of organic and transitioning farmers nationwide.

The Council will offer invaluable feedback and recommendations to OFRF’s Board and staff across a range of areas, including:

  • Shaping OFRF’s programs by offering insight into educational resources, research priorities, and policy advocacy to ensure they align with the needs of organic and transitioning farmers.
  • Voicing farmer perspectives by elevating on-the-ground realities and challenges farmers face to guide OFRF’s strategic direction.
  • Evaluating the impact and providing feedback on the relevance and effectiveness of OFRF programs.
  • Addressing emerging agricultural issues, including the National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), feedback on OFRF’s new Organic Research Hub, and Farm Bill priorities.

The creation of the Council reinforces OFRF’s foundational belief that the voices of organic and transitioning farmers are vital to shaping the future of agriculture. This approach has driven OFRF’s work from the start, from groundbreaking research to educational resources and policy efforts that address the critical challenges farmers face. “The Organic Stewardship Council will deepen our connection to the farming community and strengthen our ability to respond to their evolving needs,” Tencer said.

With this Council, OFRF continues to lead with the voices of organic farmers and create innovative pathways to advance the adoption of organic farming systems that prioritize climate resilience, soil health, and sustainability.

For more information about OFRF and its initiatives, visit www.ofrf.org.

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About Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with a remote team based across the U.S., works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website: www.ofrf.org.

Media Contact
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061